Download helper not working correctly in firefox 20.0.1.

Since upgrading to firefox 20.0.1 my download helper is not working like it used too.

Before updating to Firefox 20.0.1 I would click on the "Download Helper" icon and choose what format I want to download, then a box would open and show my various downloads in progress. Instead I've noticed that instead of the the normal box opening there is this little arrow in the right-hand corner that I have to click on in order to see what is downloading and when I close the browser the progress box that I used to be able to see is no longer there and also I am now UNABLE to continue downloading like I was able to with downloadhelper!!!

I can't speak for anyone else but I prefer using Downloadhelper as opposed to the so-called downloader that has been built into Firefox 20.0.1.

How do I get the download helper to work like it used to and how do I get rid of that annoying download arrow in the right had corner?!

If the powers that be are going to make improvements concerning security I'm all for it but I want to the option to choose whatever addons I want to use without having them made unusable whenever there is an "upgrade".

Since upgrading to firefox 20.0.1 my download helper is not working like it used too.
Before updating to Firefox 20.0.1 I would click on the "Download Helper" icon and choose what format I want to download, then a box would open and show my various downloads in progress. Instead I've noticed that instead of the the normal box opening there is this little arrow in the right-hand corner that I have to click on in order to see what is downloading and when I close the browser the progress box that I used to be able to see is no longer there and also I am now UNABLE to continue downloading like I was able to with downloadhelper!!!
I can't speak for anyone else but I prefer using Downloadhelper as opposed to the so-called downloader that has been built into Firefox 20.0.1.
How do I get the download helper to work like it used to and how do I get rid of that annoying download arrow in the right had corner?!
If the powers that be are going to make improvements concerning security I'm all for it but I want to the option to choose whatever addons I want to use without having them made unusable whenever there is an "upgrade".

The old Firefox download manager window is still available, but could be removed in any upcoming Firefox release. It is best that you use one of the alternatives below.

You can see your downloads and downloads progress in Downloads in the Library window (History, Downloads, Bookmarks).

You can also open your downloads and watch the download progress in a separate tab (or in a tab in an new window), by typing about:downloads in the Location/URL bar and press the Enter key. For other "about:" functions, type about:about in the Location/URL bar in a new tab and press the Enter key.

I am a long-time user of Video Download Helper
*https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/video-downloadhelper/
If that is the add-on that you are using, it never had its own download window/manager, but used the Firefox download window after you chose the file to download. '''''<u>However</u>''''', Firefox 20 has changed and uses a new download manager/icon and that is probably what you are seeing. See - http://mikeconley.ca/blog/2013/04/02/downloading-stuff-in-firefox-its-better-now/
The old Firefox download manager window is still available, but could be removed in any upcoming Firefox release. It is best that you use one of the alternatives below.
You can see your downloads and downloads progress in ''Downloads'' in the Library window (History, Downloads, Bookmarks).
You can also open your downloads and watch the download progress in a separate tab (or in a tab in an new window), by typing '''''about:downloads''''' in the Location/URL bar and press the Enter key. For other '''''"about:"''''' functions, type '''''about:about''''' in the Location/URL bar in a new tab and press the Enter key.
-----------------------------
Other - You should check your Plugins and update as needed.
#Check your Plugins - https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/plugincheck/
# Next Generation Java Plug-in 10.6.2 for Mozilla browsers
#*https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/use-java-plugin-to-view-interactive-content
#Shockwave Flash 11.6 r602
#*https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/install-flash-plugin-view-videos-animations-games
#*https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/keep-flash-up-to-date-and-troubleshoot-problems
#Adobe PDF Plug-In For Firefox and Netscape 11.0.02
#*https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/use-adobe-reader-plugin-view-or-download-pdf-files
#Adobe Shockwave for Director Netscape plug-in, version 12.0
#*''Not the same as Adobe Flash, Flash, Flashplayer
#*See - http://kb.mozillazine.org/Shockwave
#*Download, save, close all browsers, run the installer (download the "Full" installer) - https://www.adobe.com/products/shockwaveplayer/shwv_distribution3.html

Not only is this creating a problem in viewing download progress but also...my browser is crashing every now and then post this update..In the past six days the browser has crashed at least 20 times if not less. Please help.

Not only is this creating a problem in viewing download progress but also...my browser is crashing every now and then post this update..In the past six days the browser has crashed at least 20 times if not less. Please help.

After trying the suggestions in the article, post a New Questionfollowing the instructions in the last item "Get help fixing this crash" listing all of your crash IDs that apply.

alokbeel:
Two ways to view downloads and their progress is given in my response above --
#the Library window
#opening a view of the current session downloads in a tab.
<u>As for your crashing problem</u>:
*See - https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/firefox-crashes-troubleshoot-prevent-and-get-help
*After trying the suggestions in the article, post a '''''New Question''''' <u>following the instructions in the last item "Get help fixing this crash"</u> listing all of your crash IDs that apply.

Instead, simply do a search for download youtube videos, and use a site that asks you to input the video's URL, rather than one that installs any software or extensions (add-ons).

This will work fine and you will be able to download any youtube video at any quality setting you like.

I would list a specific site here, but Google would probably find out and shut it down. Not too hard to find one though :)

Most browser add-ins will not work, for now at least.
Instead, simply do a search for download youtube videos, and use a site that asks you to input the video's URL, rather than one that installs any software or extensions (add-ons).
This will work fine and you will be able to download any youtube video at any quality setting you like.
I would list a specific site here, but Google would probably find out and shut it down. Not too hard to find one though :)

Helpful Reply

the firefox automatic virus scanner may be preventing your files from opening or working. this will tell you how to turn it off in "about:config". I did it and FINALLY my downloads work!

go here! >>> https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/cant-download-or-save-files#w_disable-virus-scanning-in-firefox-preferences
the firefox automatic virus scanner may be preventing your files from opening or working. this will tell you how to turn it off in "about:config". I did it and FINALLY my downloads work!

This thread has nothing to do with anti-virus software preventing saving files properly, but with YouTube making changes to their coding that break popular media (video) download extensions.
Latest Video DownloadHelper beta version (4.9.20 as of now):
*http://www.downloadhelper.net/install-beta.php

Youtube and some other video sites are attempting to keep users from downloading videos to their hard drive(s). The sites want the videos posted on their site to be "streaming only" and not downloadable.. A description of what they are doing starts at the following in a very long thread in the Download Helper bug reports. Read only for latest developments and try not to post in the following bug thread to avoid making the thread more difficult for developers of DH to exchange relevant information - http://bugzilla.downloadhelper.net:8080/show_bug.cgi?id=536

On the Download Helper add-on page, under "About this Add-on", the developers are keeping users aware of new beta versions that correct each permutation by Youtube while they work on a more permanent solution if that is possible. The current beta version is listed there as of July 26, 2013 is beta version 4.9.21a1:

Youtube and some other video sites are attempting to keep users from downloading videos to their hard drive(s). The sites want the videos posted on their site to be "streaming only" and not downloadable.. A description of what they are doing starts at the following in a very long thread in the Download Helper bug reports. <u>Read only for latest developments and try not to post in the following bug thread</u> to avoid making the thread more difficult for developers of DH to exchange relevant information - http://bugzilla.downloadhelper.net:8080/show_bug.cgi?id=536
On the Download Helper add-on page, under "About this Add-on", <u>the developers are keeping users aware of new beta versions that correct each permutation</u> by Youtube while they work on a more permanent solution if that is possible. The current beta version is listed there '''''as of July 26, 2013 is beta version 4.9.21a1''''':
*Video Download Helper add-on page - https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/video-downloadhelper/